Washington judge sentences man to 50 days in jail, a fine of $1,500, and imposed a five-year fishing licence suspension for repeated offences of deliberate foul-hooking
Chinook salmon running a waterfall. Photo: Shutterstock/ Evan Linnell
A USA judge has sentenced a recreational fisherman in Washington State to 50 days in jail, given him a fine of $1,500, and imposed a five-year fishing licence suspension for repeatedly deliberately foul-hooking salmon, reports the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
David Gretzner, 66, from Long Beach, was sentenced by Pacific County District Court Judge, Nancy McAllister, after pleading guilty to one count each of Unlawful Recreational Fishing in the first degree, and Unlawful Recreational Fishing in the second degree.
Gretzner has been engaged in illegal fishing activity for several years, and was well known by WDFW Police, having been previously charged with other snagging violations in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
“When he was caught snagging in August 2023, he was awaiting trial for his 2022 charges, and was still on probation for previous snagging violations,” said WDFW Police Sergeant, Todd Dielman. WDFW Police work to protect the public’s safety and to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
“Snagging salmon is a natural resource issue, especially when the fish are targeted during low flows and in warmer water conditions where they are easy prey and more susceptible to stress”, added Dielman.
Salmon snagging can artificially increase the success rate for anglers and also decrease the number of salmon able to return to the hatchery.
“We would like to thank the Pacific County prosecutors and judge on the outcome of this case. We hope that it will send a clear message that engaging in illegal fishing activities can land you in jail,” said Dielman.